Call & Response

All this conversation about God moving and people and churches taking different directions and making changes with operations and approaches got me thinking again. (I know, somewhat dangerous, and "again" recognizes the potential for this to be an issue revisited)

What happens when people don't buy in to the vision?

Well, let's operate from the understanding that church leadership and pastoral staff have proven to be people of prayer and the Word, consistent in season and out of season. Not perfect mind you, but there is a depth of character and maturity, especially in spiritual matters whereby God has positioned them and mightily used them and the fruit of their ministry shows this to be true.

I think the worst case (or at least what might appear to be so) is the parting of ways within the congregation who don't agree to the point of separation. Are they right or the pastor? That's a delicate situation and we've all seen it backfire way more often than it's been of benefit, at least in the short-term. What happens when people begin to silently wirhdraw and distance themselves? Others may notice, or they may do so internally; staying in ministry roles, but not giving it their all, nor their best attitude in the process. Who benefits from that?

Are both parties hearing God and is it He who is organizing and rearranging lives and purpose and He's doing so because the change wouldn't happen otherwise? Is stubbornness, tradition and other factors at work in people's response?

I've had changes occur in life that led to  a change in church becoming necessary. And as previously stated, no church is perfect, there wasn't an issue with a church that presented itself as the driving factor for making a switch. It was simply life. But having said that, it would seem to be a difficult and painful process for there to truly be a cause or problem that would in fact change one's interaction with the church, both in the local congregation and the church-at-large.

So, the trust factor that a pastor places in God as a ministry or mission plots change, multiplies many times over to having to trust the rest of the church leadership and congregation that they will be on board and change with it. This is not a light and simple ordeal, neither for the pastor casting vision nor the believer's response.

And on that note, pray this #seniorPastorMonday for confidence. While every leader has moments of hesitation, doubt and questions, may their be a sense of peace and calm; that in the stillness of God's presence they would know they way they should go and lead. Pray for a spirit of unity within the church as people respond. While there may be a time for parting for a few, pray that it would not happen in a way as to bring discourage, detriment or ruin to the ministry nor the relationships of those involved. Pray for a clarity as pastors cast vision and an understanding of mind and excitement of the heart as people respond.

May the church multiply
As we were created and instructed to do.
Because of leaders and pastors who have heard from God,
Having instructed accordingly as they have followed God's leading
And the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC